Gov. Scott urges districts to reach quick solution on teacher raises

Gov. Rick Scott is urging school districts to quickly negotiate raises for its teachers.

So far, only 16 of 67 school districts have reached a deal with its unions on how to divide up the state-allotted pay hikes.

“For those districts that have not yet finalized collective bargaining agreements on teacher pay raises, I have asked the Commissioner of Education to provide any support and guidance superintendents need to come to a final agreement quickly. Florida teachers deserve a salary increase, and they should have the benefit of knowing their new salary level as soon as possible so they can best plan for their futures," Scott wrote in a letter to all Superintendents.

Broward and Palm Beach counties remain at odds over how to divvy up the salary increases. The state gave Broward $47 million and Palm Beach County about $33 million.

During a Broward School Board meeting on Tuesday, however, union president Sharon Glickman was optimistic.

"I think we are getting closer," she told the board.

Administrators, charter school teachers and other educators are also elligible for raises.

More than 90 days have passed since the legislature approved the pay hikes but most school districts are still in negotiations with its unions.